Two teenagers, Roddy and Tim, are best friends and high-achievers at their elite school. When Roddy takes the fall for an impropriety that Tim committed Roddy is expelled. His parents disown him, leaving Roddy to fend for himself. After such a privileged life from here on his life goes downhill.
Alfred Hitchcock's third (released) movie as director. At this stage in his career Hitchcock was not the thriller-master he is renowned as being. His films were more human dramas than anything else with the occasional thriller thrown in.
This is one of those dramas. The plot is okay and has a satisfying arc and Hitchcock is starting to learn the art of cinematography and using lighting and other effects to create moods and tell stories. Some great camera work that is reminiscent of him in his prime.
However, the overall product is a bit hit and miss. The fact that the two schoolboys are played by two obviously adult men, one as old as 34, is a bit confusing and unnecessary. Why not teenagers for the boys and then different actors - men - for them as asults?
In addition to this confusion which makes you wonder what the setting is, the "crime" that Roddy is accused of is never revealed, making for more confusion. Considering that the remainder of the film hinges on this single event, the detail is quite important.
Some aspects do feel dragged out too.
Overall, it's okay and worth watching if you're curious about Hitchcock's earlier work.
Alfred Hitchcock's third (released) movie as director. At this stage in his career Hitchcock was not the thriller-master he is renowned as being. His films were more human dramas than anything else with the occasional thriller thrown in.
This is one of those dramas. The plot is okay and has a satisfying arc and Hitchcock is starting to learn the art of cinematography and using lighting and other effects to create moods and tell stories. Some great camera work that is reminiscent of him in his prime.
However, the overall product is a bit hit and miss. The fact that the two schoolboys are played by two obviously adult men, one as old as 34, is a bit confusing and unnecessary. Why not teenagers for the boys and then different actors - men - for them as asults?
In addition to this confusion which makes you wonder what the setting is, the "crime" that Roddy is accused of is never revealed, making for more confusion. Considering that the remainder of the film hinges on this single event, the detail is quite important.
Some aspects do feel dragged out too.
Overall, it's okay and worth watching if you're curious about Hitchcock's earlier work.